In 1928, author Willard Wheeler commissioned Hugh Comstock, a much-in-demand architect famed for the fairy tale-esque cottages he built in Carmel, CA. Wheeler wanted something like that, with the magical qualities that were Comstock’s signature, but also that encompassed the best of Mediterranean style, as Carmel was (and still is) heavily influenced by Spanish architecture. And Wheeler wasn’t looking for a cottage. He had in mind something much grander in scale. The home he got, dubbed “Four Winds of Heaven,” fit the bill.

Famous residents

This huge hilltop abode was home to the Wheeler family for 35 years. Next came the Huntingtons and then the Firestones—names readers might recognize.

Modernization

Current owners the Andros family purchased the home in the mid-1990s for–if Redfin property records are accurate– just $1,750,000. We say “just” because the current selling price is considerably higher (and we’ll get to that soon). The Androses wanted to keep all the Comstock charm but bring it up-to-date, allowing for more light to enter the home, and creating more openness within the living space. Features in the 7,400 square foot home include 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a large master suite with spa-like bath, great room with orchestra loft, elevator, 4 fireplaces, 3 car garage and ocean-view patios. All this on a 2.3 acre lot overlooking the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Carmel Bay.

For most of us, owning such a place is as “fairy-tale-like” as Comstock’s buildings, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. We’ll need to dream big though: the sticker price on the Four Winds of Heaven is $11,200,000.